nomad / van life / vandwelling
Last updatedDefinition
Various terms, such as vandwelling, refer to the personal choice of a nomadic lifestyle without a single, permanent address. While some see it as a way to travel, it also became popular among a subset of Silicon Valley tech workers. The term can refer to a wide range of socioeconomic experiences from the houseless and poor individuals to elites who are rootless by choice. As such, it also may be useful to note the risks associated with travel and living outside of a “standard home,” particularly for people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals who are more likely to have their presence questioned when, for example, sleeping in parking lots or gas stations.
Additional resources
- #Vanlife, the Bohemian Social-Media Movement (New Yorker)
- “The Road is My Home:” Reflections on Vandwelling Culture in the United States (Kennesaw State University)
- Van Life Is Not All That It’s Cracked up to Be — Here’s Why (Insider)
- Diversify Vanlife and How to be a Strong Ally (Gnomad Home)
- Vanlife Safety Tips For Solo Female Travelers (Forbes)
- Safe Spaces On The Open Road: Why More Women Are Embracing #VanLife (Bust)
- Freedom in Vanlife for Black & LGBTQ Communities (FieldMag)
- In ‘Nomadland,’ the Golden Years Are the Wander Years (New York Times)
Summary
Avoid stereotyping who may have this type of lifestyle; while some may be unhoused or houseless, it also became popular among a subset of Silicon Valley tech workers. It also may be useful to note the risks associated with travel and living outside of a “standard home,” particularly for people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals who are more likely to have their presence questioned when, for example, sleeping in parking lots or gas stations.